1.0 Introduction
This policy brief addresses the catastrophic consequences of the ongoing Israeli military assault in Gaza, an escalation rooted not in an isolated conflict between Hamas and Israel, but in the enduring reality of Israeli occupation, systematic blockade, and the continued denial of Palestinian national rights.
Qatar-based Centre for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies (CHS) hosted a workshop in Doha on October 21 and 22, 2024 – the objective to do a deep-dive of Palestinian viewpoints and strategies regarding the future of the Gaza Strip. The key discussions and outcomes are summarised in this policy brief.
The event attracted a diverse group of Palestinian experts including representatives from civil society, United Nation (UN) agencies, international organisations and academic institutions across Europe and the United States. The agenda prompted conversation on the critical priorities for Gaza's recovery and reconstruction; exploring potential outcomes, the complex political circumstances and economic hurdles facing the region post-war. The insights and recommendations from the workshop are earmarked within for key stakeholders including Palestinian authorities, international organisations as well as CHS.
Over the two days, participants examined the severe impacts of Israeli military action since October 7, 2023 as part of the ongoing and unresolved conflict between the Palestinian people and Israeli occupation, one rooted in decades of systemic blockade, occupation, and denial of rights. The current assault has created a humanitarian catastrophe at an unprecedented level, surpassing the fallout from five previous Israeli military assaults on Gaza between 2008 and 2022. The manner in which Israel prosecuted this war has devastated more than 80% of Gaza's vital infrastructure affecting electricity, healthcare, housing, sanitation, transportation and water. As a result, millions of people are cut off from basic public services. Statistics reveal an alarming 85% unemployment rate with inflation soaring at 27%, exacerbating the poverty levels that predate this conflict. The extent of the destruction has rendered the population reliant on humanitarian aid, exemplifying the urgent need for coordinated efforts to provide both immediate relief and long-term solutions.
1.1. Background
The current military escalation, triggered on October 7, 2023, must be understood within the broader context of the prolonged Palestinian struggle against Israeli occupation. While the immediate trigger involved an attack by Hamas, the roots of the crisis lie in decades of siege, systemic occupation, denial of Palestinian sovereignty, and repeated cycles of assaults targeting civilians. The escalation has had a crushing effect on the civilians in Gaza, creating a humanitarian crisis on a staggering level. Tens of thousands of people have lost their lives with many fatalities being civilians.
One year on, the airstrikes continue to rain down on Gaza against a backdrop of ground operations and intensified artillery fire. A significant number of people are now displaced with many finding themselves in overcrowded shelters that lack rudimentary necessities. This situation is putting a strain on essential resources like food, medical care and schools.
The health system, which was already on shaky ground, is now overwhelmed and unable to provide adequate care. Of the 35 hospitals in the Strip, only 17 are partially operational while 18 have been completely shut down. The hospitals which are operational are inundated with casualties and their medical supplies are running critically low. A lack of fuel for generators and the extensive physical damage to medical facilities makes it hard to care for the injured and sick. On top of this, there's a rising mental health crisis, especially among children. The persistent airstrikes along with the violence, displacement and destruction has fuelled grief beyond compare leaving a population of more than two million traumatised. Estimates suggest that up to 25,000 people may be left with permanent disabilities requiring prosthetic implants; there will be a mental health fallout from this too.
Drinking water is polluted and sanitation systems are in disarray causing serious public health risks and increasing the prevalence of disease. The water systems, which have always suffered from a lack of funding, now produce only 12,000 cubic meters of safe drinking water a day, far below what the population needs.
Over 70% of residential and public buildings have been damaged or destroyed, displacing hundreds of thousands of people. With a colossal 40 million tons of debris, plus 2,240 housing units from past conflicts needing repair, there's a clear and urgent need for temporary housing solutions and a comprehensive reconstruction plan.
As of now, there's no clear resolution in sight. The international community, including various governments, has called for an end to the violence and for increased access to humanitarian aid, but political and military hurdles complicate those efforts.....
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